Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence does not discriminate
against Muslims.
Written by: Enith Morillo
What the community leaders and
communities can do.
How Imam and Leaders Can Help
· Prepare To Be A Resource
· Become a Safe Place
· Educate Community Members
· Lead By Example
· Speak out
· Offer Space
· Partner with Existing Resources
· Use Zakat to Help
· Support Professional Training
· Address Internal Issues
How community Members and Friends can help
· Educate Yourself
· Listen
· Believe
· Validate Feelings
· Show Respect
· Do not give advice
· Do not blame the victim
· Encourage seeking help
· Discuss Safety
· Do not speak to the Abuser
· Stay intouch
· Make Duaa
Rhode Island Sites
Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence
1800 -494-1800 24 help line
Domestic Violence Resource Center of South County
24-Hour Confidential Helpline (401) 782-3990
Day One Rhode Island
Call the 24-hour,
Victims of Crime Helpline (1-800-494-810)
Judiciary of Rhode Island
http://www.courts.ri.gov/domesticnew/default.htm
State wide help:
http://www.aardvarc.org/dv/states/ridv.shtml
Guidelines For Imams
“Once you recognize the abuse,
know you are not to blame and
you are not alone.
No one deserves to be abused.
This is not just the law in America.
This is the law of Islam.”
The Peaceful Family project
http://www.peacefulfamilies.org
This detailed brochure includes an overview of domestic violence, Islam's stance against abuse, and tips for victims. Friends, community members, imams, and community leaders are provided with guidelines to help identify abusive situations and offer appropriate support to victims.
A resource section highlights Muslim domestic violence organizations, legal support, and national resources.
Muslim Sites
copy and paste site
Peaceful Families
www.peacefulfamilies.org/
Faith Trust Institute
Video www.peacefulfamilies.org/video.html
This clip features Sharifa Alkhateeb, founder of the Peaceful Families Project. A collaborative effort of Faith Trust Institute and the Peaceful Families Project, the film is designed for victims of domestic violence in Muslim communities, counselors and advocates in shelters for battered women who serve Muslim
ISNA
www.isna.net/Services/pages/Domestic-Violence-Forum.aspx
Abusive Person (PDF)
Victims of Domestic Violence(PDF)
Contact RICMA to host a workshop in your Masjid and community.
Quran and Hadith
Islam means "Peace" - achieved when a person focuses on God, giving her entire mind, heart and soul to none other than the Creator. This liberates her from human subjection; replacing fear with self-respect; weakness with strength, and conflict with tranquility. Allah (swt) says in the Qur'an: "…do not fear human beings, but be in awe of Me." (Qur'an 5:44)
Islam strongly prohibits oppression or cruelty to any individual, group or living thing in the universe. God enjoins good conduct toward women from birth to death. Verbal, psychological, emotional, sexual, and physical violence are forbidden, as are false allegations against women's chastity and honor. Men are further reminded: "Do not annoy women as to make their lives miserable." (Qur'an 65:6).
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: "Only an honorable man treat women with honor and integrity. And only a mean, deceitful and dishonest man humiliates and insults women." Referring to physical abuse, he added: "Never hit your wives, they are your partners and sincere helpers." He exemplified this by never, ever, hitting a women or child. The Prophet guaranteed protection of the life, honor, and property of women.
"And why should you not fight in the cause of God and on behalf of those, who being weak, are ill-treated and oppressed, men, women and children whose cry is, 'Our Lord! Rescue us from these oppressors, and raise for us, from You, one who will protect and help.'" (Qur'an 4:75)And Among His Signs is this that He created for you mates from among yourselves so that you may dwell in tranquility with them. He has put love and mercy between your hearts ;in that are signs for those who reflect. (30:21)
You are the best community that has been created from mankind. You enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong. (3:110)
And why should you not fight in the causes of God and for those who, being weak, are ill-treated and oppressed? Man, Women and children whose cry is, “Our Lord! Rescue us from this place where here are oppressors, and raise for us from you one who will protect and help! (4:75)
If two believers fall into a quarrel, make peace between them. But, if one of them transgress
beyond bonds against the other, then all of you should fight against he one that transgresses
until the person compiles wit the command of God; but if the person compiles, then make
peace between them with justice and be fair, for God loves those who are fair and just. (49:9)
